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HP DesignJet 510ps
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model510ps
- Prints42" wide
- Score50/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtendable to 3 years
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 42-inch print width supports ANSI A through F and Architectural A through F technical documents.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 55 sec/page, equivalent to 38 A1 prints per hour.
- One roll input means media changes remain an operator task during mixed-size or mixed-stock sets.
Not sure if the 510ps is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Wide-format reach Prints up to 42" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.
- Analyst score Scores 50/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 510ps 42-in Printer, 2400 x 1200 DPI, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, 4 (1 each cyan, magenta, yellow, black), A0 (841 x 1189 mm), Bond and coated, technical, film, photographic, proofing, self-adhesive, banner and sign, canvas
- 42″Max print width
- 256 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Where it performs best
Size / Fit
96
Print Quality
84
Media Handling
52
Class best is 71. How we grade →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 42-inch print width supports ANSI A through F and Architectural A through F technical documents.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 55 sec/page, equivalent to 38 A1 prints per hour.
- One roll input means media changes remain an operator task during mixed-size or mixed-stock sets.
- There is no built-in Ethernet LAN, embedded web server, duplex option, scanner, or copier.
- HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL support align with established CAD-oriented technical-print workflows.
- Compatible supplies listed for this model include HP 11 and HP 82 inks.
At 4:45 p.m., somebody wants an E-size coordination plan, a marked-up civil sheet, and a color site exhibit before the courier cutoff. The HP Designjet 510ps 42-in Printer is built for that basic technical-print job: wide CAD and PDF output from roll or cut-sheet media, with an automatic cutter handling most media.
It prints up to 42 inches wide and supports ANSI A through F plus Architectural A through F sizes. HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at 55 sec/page, or 38 A1 prints per hour on plain paper. That is useful context for occasional sets and deadline batches, not permission to leave one roll loaded and hope the next job matches it. The machine accepts one roll at a time. Bottom line: it fits a practical plan-print station where one operator can keep an eye on media and output.
42"Maximum print widthCovers ANSI and Architectural sheet sizes through F.
55 sec/pageRated draft A1 line drawingManufacturer-rated on plain paper.
38 A1 prints per hourRated draft A1 throughputColor line drawings on plain paper.
+/- 0.2 %Line accuracyRelevant when drawings need to stay faithful to the submitted file.
Where it earns its floor space
The 510ps suits teams producing CAD linework, color-coded MEP coordination sheets, survey plans, permit drawings, GIS maps, and occasional presentation prints. Its HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL support matters in established technical-print workflows, while USB and parallel connectivity can be useful in a directly attached or legacy print environment. There is no built-in Ethernet LAN or embedded web server, though the product is JetDirect compatible and listed Jetdirect print-server accessories may address network needs.
Fine technical work is a reasonable use case. The practical minimum line width is 0.003 inches, and maximum resolution is 2400 x 1200 DPI. Four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and pigment-based black—handle the familiar mix of black linework and color overlays. Compatible supplies include HP 11 and HP 82 inks. Bottom line: this is a straightforward drawing printer when the office can live with hands-on media management and older-style connectivity.
Estimate rated drawing time for a batch, then allow real deadline time for file processing, roll changes, cutting, and collecting the sheets.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 256 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
The trade-offs show up during a set run
The failure mode is simple: a mixed-size bid package lands late, the required media is not on the loaded roll, and the operator becomes the paper-handling system. This printer has one roll input and no duplex option. It can feed cut sheets, but it does not turn a mixed-media or double-sided document run into an unattended process. The automatic cutter does not cut canvas.
Physical planning matters too. The unit measures 66.5 x 26.5 x 43.3 inches and weighs 99.6 lb. It supports bond, coated, technical, film, photographic, proofing, self-adhesive, banner, sign, and canvas media. That range gives a project team options beyond plain bond, but loading the right substrate is still an operator task. Bottom line: buy it for controlled technical output, not for a print room that needs automatic roll switching, scanning, copying, or duplexing.
How to position it in an AEC fleet
For a small architecture studio, field-office engineer, or department that mainly needs full-size sheets from one known media type, the 42-inch width and cut-sheet capability are useful. For a print room that must scan redlines, copy legacy plans, or support wider document workflows, the catalog-listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in adds scanner/MFP capability, although it is listed as discontinued and is narrower at 36 inches.
Do not confuse width with workflow capacity. A 44-inch alternative such as the Canon GP-4000 44-in gives more maximum width, but the right comparison should start with media handling, connectivity, service support, and the files your users actually send. Use the side-by-side comparison before treating either machine as a drop-in answer. Bottom line: this model makes most sense when its single-roll, operator-attended workflow matches the work arriving at the counter.
Continue the evaluation
The read
The HP Designjet 510ps 42-in Printer is a sensible fit for full-size AEC drawings, color overlays, and occasional specialty-media output where an operator can manage a single roll and direct or JetDirect-enabled connectivity. Its limitations are equally clear: no built-in Ethernet LAN, no embedded web server, no duplexing, and no scan/copy function. If those gaps match the way your team works, fine. If they do not, they will become very obvious on the first late bid set. Bottom line: match this printer to a supervised, single-roll technical-print workflow—not a modern unattended production queue.
Where it sits in the field: see the head-to-head against the HP DesignJet T918 36-in or the full class leaderboard.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T5270DR
Category leaders best technical / CAD plotters, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 42 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Ethernet | No |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max resolution2400 x 1200 DPI
Max print width42"
ColorColor
ConnectivityUSB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 4 (1 each cyan, magenta, yellow, black) |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | 55 sec/page |
| Print speed color line drawing (draft, A1 plain paper) | 38 A1 prints per hour |
| Print time black and white line drawing (draft, metric A1 plain paper) | 55 sec/page |
Performance
| Certification | RoHS, WEEE |
|---|---|
| Drive device, buffer size | 160 MB |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter (cuts all media except canvas) |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| ANSI paper sizes | A, B, C, D, E, F |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | 8.3 x 8.3 to 42 x 74.7 in 210 x 210 to 1067 x 1897 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Architectural sizes | A, B,C, D, E, E1, E2, E3, F |
| Maximum roll length | 1799.2" (45.7 m) |
| Duplex print options | None (not supported) |
| Standard media sizes | 610 mm models: 140 x 140 to 610 x 1897 mm sheets, 458 to 610 mm rolls 1067 mm models: 140 x 140 to 1067 x 1897 mm sheets, 458 to 1067 mm rolls |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Media types supported | Bond and coated, technical, film, photographic, proofing, self-adhesive, banner and sign, canvas |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 17 x 17 x 5 x 5 mm |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1897 mm |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | ANSI A, B, C, D, E, F; Arch A, B,C, D, E, E1, E2, E3, F |
| Non-printable area roll media (imperial) | 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | No |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Parallel ports quantity | 1 |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 99.6 lbs (45.2 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 42" |
| Weight (imperial) | 99.6 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 66.5 x 26.5 x 43.3" (1690 x 674 x 1100 mm) |
Power
| Power requirements | Input voltage (auto ranging) 100 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 50/60 Hz, 3 A max |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (standby) | 17 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 – 60 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | Up to 9842 ft |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 15 – 35 °C |
Other features
| Safety | Compliant with the requirements for ITE products: EU Low Voltage Directive, US and Canada CSA certified, Mexico NOM-1-NYCE, Argentina IRAM, China CCIB and CCEE, Singapore PSB, Russia GOST, Poland PCBC |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 4 pl (colour), 18 pl (black) |
| Photo paper | Yes |
| Air pressure | 0.69 mmH2O |
| Coated paper | Yes |
| Glossy paper | Yes |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.2 % |
| Proofing paper | Yes |
| Line width minimum | 0.0008 in (theoretical value); 0.003 in (practical value) |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | No |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.5 B(A) (active/printing), 4.4 B(A) (standby) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 52 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003: Pentium 4 (1 GHz), 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Macintosh: Mac OS X (10.3, 10.4, 10.5): PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with the requirements for class B ITE products: EU (EMC directive), US (FCC rules), Canada (DoC), Australia (ACA), New Zealand (MoC), China (CCIB), class A for Korea (MIC), Taiwan (BSMI) |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Case or master carton quantity | 5 pc(s) |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | Dye-based (colour), pigment-based (black) |
| Maximum media length (imperial) | 74.7" |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | Unlimited (depends on media thickness) |
| Acoustic power emissions (standby) | 44 dB |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 2400 DPI |
| Acoustic pressure emissions (standby) | 29 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | 8.3 to 42-in wide sheets; 18 to 42-in rolls |
| Non-printable area (imperial cut-sheet) | 0.7 x 0.7 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | Macintosh Mac OS X (10.4, 10.5): PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
Logistics data
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
|---|
Packaging data
| Package weight | 231.5 lbs (105 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | EFI Designer Edition 5.1 for HP |
| Package weight (imperial) | 232 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 77.8 x 25.4 x 38.5" (1975 x 645 x 978 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 77.8 x 25.4 x 38.5" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Microsoft Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP Home; Windows XP Professional; Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2003; Mac OS X v 10.4; Mac OS X v 10.5; Mac OS X v 10.6 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 510ps
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
6 ink cartridges · 4 printheads · 99 paper & media items · 5 accessories · 2 coverage plans
HP DesignJet 510ps ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 510ps 42-in Printer — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 6
Printheads 4
Paper & Media 79
Representative image8 Mil Microporous Gloss Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)
HP Universal Instant-dry Gloss Photo PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Gloss Photo Paper
HP Universal Coated PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Bond Paper, 4-pack
HP Universal Bond Paper, 2-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-pack
HP Opaque ScrimRepresentative imageKODAK Production Matte Paper / 170gRepresentative imageMagic 4mil DM Inkjet Film (JR440IJME)Representative imageMagic 4mil Inkjet Clear Film w/ Side Stripe (DMCF4HPS)
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP White Matte Polyester Film
HP Q1420A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
HP Reverse Print Matte Backlit Film
HP C6035A large format media 45.7 m
HP C6036A printing paper Matte White
HP C6567B plotter paper
HP Universal Semi-gloss Photo Paper
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1904A printing film
HP Q1421A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1757A printing paper Matte Yellow
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m MattRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 ft)
HP Q1961A large format media
HP Q1962A large format media
HP Q1967A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Matte 100 sheets White
HP Q1968A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP C7949A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q1898B large format media
HP Q1899B large format media
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6580A photo paper Matte
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
HP Durable Display Film
HP Q1441A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1442A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1444A printing paper Matte
HP Q1445A printing paper Matte
HP Q7897A large format media 45.7 m
HP Matte Proofing 458 mm x 30.5 m (18 in x 100 ft) printing paper
HP Q7971A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q8664A printing paper High-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q8662A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) High-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Q8663A large format media 30.5 m High-gloss
HP CG490A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP Premium Semi-gloss Proofing Paper-50 sht/A3+/330 mm x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
HP CG463A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP CG462A printing paper Semi-gloss White
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP PVC-free Banner-914 mm x 15.2 m (36 in x 50 ft)
HP CG816A large format media 15.2 m Matte
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)
HP CG822A large format media 22.9 m
HP CG884A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP CG885A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Durable Banner w/ DuPont Tyvek 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft) large format media Matte
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-610 mm x 30.5 m (24 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Coated Paper-610 mm x 45.7 m (24 in x 150 ft)
HP CG892A large format media
HP CG889A large format media 45.7 m
HP CG890A plotter paper
HP CG891A large format media 45 m
HP Canvas Paper 180 g/m²-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-1067 mm x 22.9 m (42 in x 75 ft)
HP Q6620B printing filmAccessories 5
Questions
Straight answers
Can the HP Designjet 510ps 42-in Printer print full-size construction drawings?
Yes. It prints up to 42 inches wide and supports ANSI A through F and Architectural A through F media sizes. It also supports roll and cut-sheet media.
Is it suitable for mixed-media bid sets?
It can print roll and cut-sheet media, but it has one roll input. Jobs requiring frequent changes between media widths or stocks need operator attention.
Does this printer connect directly to an Ethernet network?
No built-in Ethernet LAN is listed. It has USB and parallel connectivity, is JetDirect compatible, and compatible Jetdirect print-server accessories are listed.
Can it scan redlines or copy old drawings?
No scanner or copy function is listed for this printer. The catalog-listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the in-family scanner/MFP comparison model, though it is listed as discontinued.
What technical file languages does it support?
The listed page-description languages are HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL. Those are common languages in technical drawing workflows.
What inks does it use?
The printer uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, with dye-based color and pigment-based black listed. Compatible supply families include HP 11 and HP 82 inks.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 510ps to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.